The Hindu Business Line : Grand Hyatt Mumbai bullish on busy season

SHRUGGING off the impact of the recent flooding in the city, which pushed down average occupancy in its wake, the Grand Hyatt is optimistic about business prospects in the approaching busy season.

Apart from expanding its facilities with the addition of an entertainment centre and a beauty saloon, the hotel plans to renegotiate contracts and raise room rates by 15-20 per cent over the next few months.

"The exact increase in rates will depend on the client as well as the time when the rates are renegotiated," says Mr Ilan Weill, who took over as General Manager of the hotel in July.

The average room rate (ARR) for the current calendar is pegged at Rs 5,900, and the hotel has forecast an average occupancy of 80 per cent for the year, he said.

Beginning September, the hotel industry will enter the busy season that extends through to March-April next year. During this period, the Grand Hyatt hopes to consolidate its operations and add to its facilities and outlets.

"Over the next few months, the hotel will enter a new phase of its evolution as a multi-dimensional property with the addition of more components such as the entertainment centre with a bar, restaurant and night club. Besides, we plan to open a beauty saloon as well as add finishing touches to the Grand Plaza — the shopping area in the hotel," said Mr Weill.

The MICE segment (meetings, incentives, conventions, and entertainment) of the travel market is expected to drive business in the busy season and the hotel's marketing efforts during this period will revolve around promoting its food and beverage outlets, spa, and bar.

The hotel, which opened its doors in March 2005, has 547 rooms and 147 service apartments, making it the largest luxury hotel in the city.

According to Mr Weill, average occupancy at the service apartments was expected at 90 per cent for the whole year. Expatriates made up the majority of guests at the residences and the period of stay stretched from a couple of months to two years.

He added that the proposed upgradation of infrastructure in Mumbai, including the domestic and international airports, would continue to attract new business segments to the city's hotels.

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